Chapter 7
Iwas in the dining room that morning, preparing to watch my breakfast. In the center of the table was Mr. Charles, with Vincent on his father’s right and me on his left
Only the soft tinkle of knives and forks stood for rhythm between us until Mr. Charles at last laid down his fork and surveyed us one after the other
You make a great couple, you know? Keep it up.”
threw a brief glance to Vincent, still trying to smile though my heart was clutching my breath.
If you marry, don’t postpone having children. I need an heir, immediately
That statement reflexively made me choke, as I was chewing. My chest was pounding, frantically coughing.
Vincent hurried to fill the glass in front of me with water and present it to me without delay.
Easy does it, honey,” he added, just firm enough to let me know he was there as he gently touched my back!
took the glass with a quaking hand. I drank as fast as I dared to, hoping that my throat would stop aching soon.!!
Not just the food, but Vincent’s words that made me choke. It was the first time Vincent had called me honey, and he said it as though sabit. Even in front of his father. I assumed this was purely ceremonial
‘My father’s always in such a hurry about descendants. Even back when I didn’t know I was going to get married.“}
Mr. Charles just slightly smiled and then looked over toward me.
It’s not about hurry, Vincent. It’s about the legacy of our family. Of course, your future successor‘
do” Vincent agreed, with a brief nod.
Tomorrow night, Scarlett, when you are announced with your name as Vincent Moretti’s future wife before all of the most influential people in our world. Prepare yourself!”
I just nodded obediently, obeying Mr. Charles, even though I was completely unprepared.
And finally the much-anticipated speech by Mr. Charles arrived. He threw a private party where he announced me as Vincent’s future wife The room was spacious and filled with guests, all elegantly dressed, all colleagues, friends, and relatives of the Moretti family.
Vincent was at my side his hand resting lightly on my waist. An air of command filled the room as his presence had everyone faling to their knees appealing to him. The program started and Mr. Charles presented me in great state as the future wife of Vincent which brought at once on the part of the audience the applause.
“Mr. Vincent, I would like a drink over there, may 12
Vincent nodded and smiled. I started to walk away and some of his friends walked up to him, making fun of him.
I drank a bit to settle my nerves. I felt quite a few women glaring at me, very upset to have me there.
Soon enough, an elegant lady in a red dress with a lady in a dark black dress stood close by. Their glances appeared to mock me. “And this, is the future wife of Vincent Moretti?” said the lady in the red dress, taking a drink of her wine. “I suppose I was expecting someone tougher. More fitting for our world.
I only smiled weakly and made a strong effort not to be goaded. But the lady in black went on, a little more acridly, as if she really wanted to make me say something in front of everybody E
Oh, that’s right, your name is Scarlett, isn’t it? Are you certain you can endure in a world rife with blood and double–dealing, given your sweet countenance and hopeful look?“2
Half–Haughi
“Maybe Vincent just needs a distraction to accompany his sleep. A gentle women are always charming at first.”
There were some gentle lilting laughs from the surroundings. A few raised their glasses to their mouths, their eyes alit in derision.
“What do you mean talking like that?” I snapped, raising my voice to let him know that I have had enough
And then, a voice heavy and chilled, a voice that I knew way too well, from the back.
“It appears that someone is in danger of overstepping his or her bounds this evening 8
Vincent’s being there shut those women up and who mocked me. He stepped closer, addressing the two women who had just dissed me, straight in the eye.
“The wife of an ex district head, talking anyhow that’s how she should learn to control her mouth.”
The woman flinched, but kept it together!
I was just telling him my doubts, Vincent. Surely we have a responsibility to protect who joins the inner circle?” the woman in the red dress added..
“And who gave you the right to decide who stands next to me?” Vincent glared at her. His was a soft voice, but the room appeared to
silence
y choice. She is the Moretu family’s decision. And any of you or anyone you know who doubts this decision is
“Scarlett wasn’t just my doubting me,”
Vincent addressed the guests, speaking in mised tone in order to be heard.&
“Scarlett is no longer just a ‘fiancée, starting tonight. She’s the one who will stand by my side. Respect her or face me.”
3.54 PM & c.
Silence.
None of them had the courage to utter a word.
Vincent retumed his attention to the woman and eyed her without a grin.
“And if you want to talk about strength, show us that in your actions and policy, not teen–like insults of people who don’t agree with you.
Then the husbands emerged, red–faced after having witnessed Vincent’s angry face.
“What is this? What are you doing?”
They had the two women grinding their teeth and eyeing the ground, no further balls to push.8
“You have to teach them manners. Or should I teach them?” Vincent said flatly. Then he reached out to take my hand, lacing his fingers through mine.
“Come on, honey. Let’s go,” he whispered. “I’m tired of being with these snakes in over expensive suits.”
We walked up to the route like a couple. I don’t know why, but something about his defending me felt good to my heart. He didn’t act so terrible, after all, I thought.
